How to Interview a Job Candidate: 6 Tips for Interviewers

Here are some tips to help you conduct effective interviews with potential employees: 1. __Review their application materials__. Take a look at the job candidate’s resume, [cover letter](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-perfect-cover-letter), and other application materials before the interview gets started, or have the materials in front of you during the [job interview](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-get-hired). That way, you’ll have specific examples on which you can base your interview questions. Having copies on hand to reference also helps you tailor the interview to find out the most pertinent information about their skills and past positions, rather than spending time asking about details that you can find in their application materials. 2. __Make a list of questions or skills to assess__. Before you go into an interview, ask yourself what skills you’re trying to assess and tailor the interview to them. For instance, if the primary focus of the interview is to assess a candidate’s [interpersonal skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition) or emotional intelligence, consider a behavioral interview (like a lunch interview or an introduction to team members) rather than a more impersonal [phone interview](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/phone-interview-tips). If your goal is to assess the candidate’s experience level, write out a list of open-ended questions that help you focus the conversation on their previous positions or comfort level in your work environment. 3. __Make it conversational__. Sticking to a traditional question-and-answer format can make first-time interviewers nervous. This interview style where the candidate answers questions as the interviewer listens silently or follows up with an unrelated question can be too impersonal and result in a poor interview. Instead, use the interview as an opportunity to have a conversation where you note the candidate’s responses and respond with comments or follow-up questions. This technique can make the candidate feel comfortable and heard and give you a better sense of their attitude on the job. 4. __Put your best foot forward__. A job interview isn’t just for the hiring manager’s edification—candidates use job interviews to determine if the interviewer’s company is the right fit for them, too. As a hiring manager or member of an interview panel, you must be ready to explain the benefits of joining your organization. Be friendly and treat the candidate with respect at all times, and offer honest information about the job description and what it’s like to work at your company. 5. __Write notes after the interview__. Interviewers speak with many candidates when trying to fill a position, so it’s a good idea to jot down notes after each conversation to help you remember each individual’s core strengths and weaknesses. 6. __Refamiliarize yourself with discrimination laws__. Recruiters aren’t allowed to base their [job offers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-negotiate-a-job-offer) on marital status, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability status—avoid discussing these areas during your interviews with candidates. If you’re preparing to fill an open position at your company, check out the following step-by-step guide for interviewing job seekers: 1. __Schedule in advance__. Give the candidate enough time—at least a day or two—to prepare for the interview. When setting it up, offer them any relevant details for the interview format: if it’s a remote interview, provide them with the video conferencing link and password, or if it’s a face-to-face interview, let them know the preferred [dress code](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-for-work) or a good place to park in the area. 2. __Be prompt__. Whether it’s an in-person interview or a video call, be on time and prepared to show the candidate that your company is organized and cares about them. Showing up late or unprepared can make them think twice about accepting the job if they receive an offer. 3. __Start with a friendly greeting__. Launching into a series of hard-hitting questions immediately after sitting down can be jarring for the candidate. Instead, greet them, then ease into the conversation by engaging in friendly small-talk or introductory questions to help make them more comfortable. This friendly chat can make them more interested in the position and candid during the interview. 4. __Ask your questions__. Working off your goals for the interview, ask open-ended questions that allow the candidate to showcase their skills and experience and give you a good sense of their work competency. You can bring a list of questions as a template, but as you conduct the interview, stay flexible and allow yourself to follow the conversation rather than ensuring the candidate answers each question on your list. 5. __Ask follow-up questions for clarity__. If a candidate doesn’t quite answer a question the way you were hoping, or if their answer raises a question or red flag, ask follow-up questions to ensure that you understand the candidate correctly. 6. __Explain the next steps__. At the end of the interview, be open and honest about the next steps—give the candidate a rough time frame to expect to hear back from you or let them know if they need to participate in any additional interviews. 7. __Thank the candidate for their time__. The interview process can be stressful for both interviewers and interviewees alike, so be warm and thank the candidate for taking the time to talk with you. 8. __Follow up as soon as possible__. In the hiring process, the time between an interview and a job offer (or rejection letter) can be stressful for candidates, so be courteous and follow up with the hiring decision or next steps as soon as possible. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more. Learning how to conduct an effective job interview is critical for hiring managers who want to fill the role with the best candidate.